Web-based biometric authentication system and method

ABSTRACT

A Web-based authentication system and method, the system comprising at least one Web client station, at least one Web server station and an authentication center. The Web client station is linked to a Web cloud, and provides selected biometric data of an individual who is using the Web client station. The Web server station is also linked to the Web cloud. The authentication center is linked to at least one of the Web client and Web server stations so as to receive the biometric data. The authentication center, having records of one or more enrolled individuals, provides for comparison of the provided data with selected records. The method comprises the steps of (i) establishing parameters associated with selected biometric characteristics to be used in authentication; (ii) acquiring, at the Web client station, biometric data in accordance with the parameters; (iii) receiving, at an authentication center, a message that includes biometric data; (iv) selecting, at the authentication center, one or more records from among records associated with one or more enrolled individuals; and (v) comparing the received data with selected records. The comparisons of the system and method are to determine whether the so-compared live data sufficiently matches the selected records so as to authenticate the individual seeking access of the Web server station, which access is typically to information, services and other resources provided by one or more application servers associated with the Web server station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to biometric authentication, particularly tosystems and methods for biometric authentication of individuals involvedin transactions employing the World Wide Web.

Broadly described, the World Wide Web (the "Web") is a decentralized,electronic database service offering a universe of dynamically connectedinformation, the information being in any of various media and beingrelatively easily found by and made accessible to individuals exploring("surfing") that universe ("Webspace"). More specifically, the Web is adistributed, hypertext system comprising hypermedia documents, Webservers and Web clients. Web clients include software programs commonlyknown as browsers. Browsers typically reside on an individual's personalcomputer and, among other things, provide for exploring the Web so as tofind and access Web documents.

Web servers are software programs that support various features,including being compatible with one or more standard protocols, e.g.,the HyperText Transport Protocol ("HTTP"), the well-known, nativeprotocol of the Web generally unifying its information. Web servers puthypermedia documents on the Web and otherwise make resources associatedwith the server available to Web clients. Web servers not only makedocuments and resources accessible to Web clients, but also directspecific documents to clients and complete transactions responsive toeach client's input. Web servers, being decentralized butinterconnected, give the Web its distributed characteristic.

Web documents ("pages") are constructed in conformity with one ofvarious accepted formats or languages, e.g., HyperText Markup Language("HTML"). The formats support, among other things, the Web's hypermediaand hypertext characteristics. As to the hypermedia characteristic, Webdocuments can, and generally do, combine content from one or more of thevarious media including text, graphics, audio and video. As to thehypertext characteristic, Web documents can, and generally do, containelectronic links to related Web documents. Selecting the link causes thebrowser to (i) connect to a Web server associated with that link, (ii)request the linked document and (iii) if the Web client satisfies theserver's security requirements, receive and display the document.

However described, the Web has had rapid acceptance and growth. TheWeb's growth is reflected by the number of Web servers going intoservice in a few years ago: in June 1993, 130 public servers; inNovember 1994, almost 9,000 public servers; in February, 1995, over27,000 public servers. The number of servers currently is much greaterstill. The Web's acceptance is reflected by its application acrossinstitutions, whether government, corporate, commercial, education,civic or otherwise. Its acceptance and growth positions the Web totransform the way people create, access, and use information which, inturn, positions the Web to transform the institutions themselves.

The security of Web information and transactions has been identified asa significant problem. At the center of the problem are so-calledcrackers: individuals who seek to access computers, such as Web servers,so as to conduct pranks, vandalism, espionage or other illegitimateactivities. Web security responds to these activities and, among otherthings, strives to maintain the confidentiality and integrity ofinformation, both as resident on servers and as communicated in Webtransactions. Increasing the vulnerability to crackers is that the Webis an open system available to anyone in possession of readilyavailable, affordable technology.

One important Web security issue is authentication. While authenticationtakes various forms, authentication of individuals is particularlydesirable. This authentication is directed to verifying that theindividual seeking access to and/or through a Web server is in fact whothat individual claims to be, and not an impersonator. Thisauthentication relies on verification being performed at or above apredetermined minimum level of confidence. At the same time,authentication is generally an early hurdle that the individual mustclear to conduct Web transactions with the server (typically theindividual is subject to other security measures mediating access tosystem information, services and other resources).

The traditional method for authenticating individuals has relied onsecret passwords. Password-only authentication has the benefit that itcan be implemented entirely in software. However, password-onlyauthentication has a number of disadvantages. First, passwords can becumbersome. For example, a password's viability is enhanced, among otherways, by increasing its length, by controlling its composition and byits being frequently changed. However, using these techniques to enhancepassword viability tends to render the password increasingly cumbersome.

Second, passwords can be forgotten, lost, stolen or otherwisecompromised. Password's that are written down are readily stolen.Passwords can be inadvertently disclosed to crackers via various ploys,including by crackers observing the password's entry on a keyboard.Passwords can also be illegitimately discovered by, for example,brute-force trial and error. Moreover, passwords can be intercepted asthey are transported from the Web client to the desired server.Passwords can also be compromised by a cracker gaining access to aserver's file of registered passwords which files generally aremaintained to verify submitted passwords.

At least for these reasons, password-only authentication fails toprovide adequate security. At the same time, Web-based applications areflooding into areas that can benefit from enhanced security. Examples ofsuch Web-based applications include: commercial transactions (e.g., thepurchase and sale of goods), banking transactions (e.g., electronicfunds transfer), and medical transactions (e.g., provision of medicalrecords in emergency situations).

Accordingly, a need exists for improved Web-based security measures, andmethods to implement such measures. Moreover, a need exists for improvedWeb-based authentication systems and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide improved Web-based securitymeasures, and methods to implement such measures and, moreover, toprovide improved Web-based authentication systems and methods.

Accordingly to one aspect of the invention, a Web-based authenticationsystem is provided that uses a Web cloud as a communication medium. Thesystem comprises, in an embodiment, at least one Web client station, atleast one Web server station and an authentication center. Access of(i.e., to and/or through) the Web server station via the Web cloud issought by the individual using the Web client station, which access isdependent on authentication of the individual. The Web client station islinked to the Web cloud, and provides selected biometric datarepresenting biometric characteristics of an individual who is using theWeb client station. The Web server station is also linked to the Webcloud. The authentication center is linked to at least one of the Webclient and Web server stations so as to receive the biometric dataprovided by the Web client station. The authentication center which hasrecords of biometric data of one or more enrolled individuals, providesfor comparison of the provided data with selected records. Thecomparison is to determine whether the provided data sufficientlymatches the selected records as to authenticate.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for Web-based,biometric authentication of individuals who are using a Web clientstation, the individuals seeking access of (i.e., to and/or through) aWeb server station. An embodiment of the method comprises the steps of(i) establishing parameters associated with selected biometriccharacteristics to be used in authentication; (ii) acquiring, at the Webclient station, biometric data in accordance with the parameters; (iii)receiving, at an authentication center, a message that includesbiometric data; (iv) selecting, at the authentication center, one ormore records from among records associated with one or more enrolledindividuals; and (v) comparing received biometric data with selectedrecords, the comparison determining whether the so-compared biometricdata sufficiently matches the selected records as to authenticate.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use,reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which its preferred embodiments are illustrated and described,wherein like reference numerals identify the same or similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a Web-based biometricauthentication system, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a client portion of FIG. 1, showingadditional detail of the Web-based biometric authentication system,according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a server portion of FIG. 1, showingadditional detail of the Web-based biometric authentication system,according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the authentication center of FIG. 1,showing additional detail of the Web-based biometric authenticationsystem, according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow-chart showing steps generally associated withauthentication using a Web-based biometric authentication system,according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention contemplates Web-based biometric authenticationsystems and methods. Biometric authentication relies on the acquisitionof data related to a biological feature so as to verify the claimedidentity of an individual, generally in an automated methodology.Web-based authentication introduces the Web as the automation vehicle.

Authentication using biometric data exploits the fact that suchcharacteristics (i) are relatively unique from individual to individual,(ii) are unchanging, and (iii) cannot be forgotten, lost, stolen, orotherwise compromised. In addition, non-Web-based authentication usingbiometric data has a substantial history and, accordingly, is relativelywell-accepted in our society.

Authentication using biometric data, as described herein, is generallydirected to verification that an individual is, in fact, who they claimto be. Broadly stated, verification generally compares the individual'ssubmitted data, or data representative thereof (often referred tohereafter as "live data") to stored biometric data (often referred tohereafter as "records") associated with the person the individual claimsto be.

However, it is to be understood that the systems and methods describedherein is also directed to identification of individuals, withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention. By comparison toverification, biometric identification generally compares live data tothe entire database of records so as to determine if there is a matchand, if so, returns the identity of the person associated with thematching record. Biometric identification can be used in variousapplications, including, for instance, to identify unconsciousindividuals in need of medical attention and to identify crackers whoseek or previously sought to breach a server or the authenticationsystem itself (e.g., by matching live data to enrolled persons or bymatching new enrollees to records of previous cracker attacks).

Authentication Systems.

As shown in FIG. 1, a Web-based biometric authentication system 10according to the present invention comprises a Web cloud 12, one or moreWeb client stations 14, one or more Web server stations 20, Webconnections 22, an authentication center 24, and one or moreauthentication center connections 26. While the elements of the system10 are shown as logical devices, one of ordinary skill in the art wouldreadily understand that each is associated with respective physicaldevices. For example: (i) the stations 14 and 20 typically areassociated with, among other physical devices, computers, such as PCsand servers; (ii) the connections 22 and 26 typically are associated,among other physical devices, with wires, cables, fiber optics, radiosignals or other physical connections; and (iii) the Web cloud 12typically is associated with, among other physical devices, networkcomponents such as routers, bridges, computers, internets, intranets,extranets and other physical networks.

The Web cloud 10 represents a generalized communication medium, based onand supporting standard protocols of the Web (e.g., HTTP), for Webtransactions among the Web's clients and servers. It represents eitherthe Web of hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles or any other Web,public or private.

The Web connections 22 link each of the Web client stations 14 to theWeb server stations 20 via the interposed Web cloud 10 so as to provideWeb communications there among. The Web connections 22 preferablysupport HTTP, as well as a secure transport protocol. The securetransport protocol preferably is the Secure Sockets Layer ("SSL"). SSLis an open, nonproprietary protocol offered by Netscape CommunicationCorporation of Mountain View, California ("Netscape"). SSL is designedfor use by Web clients and servers, providing for data encryption,server authentication, message integrity and, optionally, usercertificates. As to data encryption, SSL allows a client and server tonegotiate an encryption algorithm, such as a public key algorithm (e.g.,RSA), and to communicate securely using encryption.

Notwithstanding the above discussion, it is to be recognized that otherprotocols can be used without departing from the principles of theinvention, provided that the protocols both support transport securityand maintain overall operation of the system 10. An example is the IIOP("Internet Inter-ORB Protocol") of COBRA ("Collaborative Object BrokerRequest Architecture"), a standard specified by the OMG (ObjectManagement Group)--a standard group of 700 computer and communicationvendors that define distributed object computing interoperability).

The authentication center connections 26 preferably link theauthentication center 24 to the Web cloud 12, so as to providecommunication between the center 24 and the stations 14, 20. Theauthentication center connections 26 support a secure transportprotocol, such as SSL, so as to provide a secure channel. Theauthentication center connections 26 can also support a standardprotocol, e.g., HTTP, although it is to be recognized that the systemcan be configured in the absence of that support.

The authentication center connections 26 are depicted in FIG. 1 so as toindicate that the link need not be via the Web cloud 12. For example,the link can be made directly between the authentication center 24 andone or more of the Web client stations 14 and/or the Web server stations20. In the case of a Web cloud link, the system 10 takes advantage ofthe Web's scalability with respect to both Web client stations 14 andWeb server stations 20. In the case of a direct link, the system 10takes advantage of the enhanced security generally associated with suchlinks. In addition, the link can be both direct and via the Web cloud,which combination introduces the advantages of redundancy to thosepreviously described, typically at only a marginal additional cost. Itis to be recognized that each case is contemplated within the principlesof the invention.

Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary Web client station 14 from FIG. 1 isshown in greater detail. The Web client station 14 comprises one or morebiometric I/O devices 16, one or more non-biometric I/O devices 18, anda Web client 17. Each of the devices 16 and 18 is linked to the Webclient 17. In addition, the Web client station 14 is linked via theconnection 22 to the Web cloud 12 at the Web client 17.

The Web client 17 preferably comprises any of the known browserprograms, such as Netscape's Navigator-brand browser. Although browserprograms are preferred, it is to be recognized that other Web clientscan be used without departing from the principles of the invention,provided such clients are compatible with the system 10 and are able toperform the steps of an authentication method associated with the clientstation 14, as described below. It is also to be recognized that thetype of Web client 17 can vary among the Web client stations 14, withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention.

The non-biometric I/O devices 18 preferably comprise products capable ofinputting passwords and otherwise generating commands to controloperation of the Web client 17. Numerous such products are known,including mice, trackballs, keyboards, and microphones (with voicerecognition software). Although the Web client station 14 preferablyincludes one or more non-biometric I/O devices 18, it is to berecognized that the station 14 can omit such devices entirely, withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention.

The biometric I/O devices 16 comprise technologies that acquire selecteddata relating to biometric characteristics of the individual who isusing the Web client station 14. The technologies commonly include oneor more known hardware sensors and associated software drivers (notshown). Under control of the associated software driver, the sensorproduces a signal representative of variations in the biometriccharacteristic presented. If, for example, the sensor is a microphoneused to capture a voice pattern, the microphone will produce a signalwhose amplitude (voltage or current) varies with time in response to thevarying frequencies in a spoken phrase (a "voiceprint"). In addition tomicrophones, other sensors are known, including (i) various scanners foracquiring finger print or retinal pattern data and (ii) typing patternsensors associated with keyboards.

It is to be recognized that various of the biometric I/O devices 16 andthe non-biometric I/O devices 18 can be implemented in single physicalunits, without departing from the principles of the invention. Forexample, a microphone can provide for input of non-biometric data viavoice recognition software as well as biometric data in the form ofvoice prints. As an additional example, a physical keyboard can providefor input of non-biometric data as well as biometric data in the form oftyping patterns.

The biometric I/O devices 16 preferably provide the acquired data inacceptable form to the Web client 17, said form generally beingrepresentative of the acquired data. However, because the signalsproduced by most biometric sensors are analog, these signals generallyare to be converted into digital form. To do so, an analog to digitalconverter ("ADC") typically is provided in association with thebiometric I/O devices 16. It is noteworthy that many personalcomputers--the typical physical host for a logical Web client station14--often provide an ADC operation in connection with integratedmultimedia ports, e.g. microphone ports. Again, however, the logicalrepresentations of the Figures contemplate this integrated and any otherdisposition for the ADC and other physical devices, without departingfrom the principles of the invention.

Numerous products are known that can serve as biometric I/O devices 16.For example, fingertip technologies are offered by (i) NationalRegistry, Inc., of Tampa, Florida ("NRI") and (ii) Mytec Technologies ofToronto, Canada. In turn, voice print technologies are offered byiNTELiTRAK Technologies of Austin, Tex.

The Web client station 14 further comprises an interface mechanism 28.The mechanism 28 receives the data acquired by the biometric I/O devices16 which is provided to the authentication center 24 by the Web clientstation 14 via connection 22, e.g. via SSL. Depending on the Web client17 and the selected secure transport protocol, either the Web client 17or the interface mechanism 28 perform the tasks associated with thesecure transport protocol. In a hybrid embodiment, it is contemplatedthat the Web client 17 performs such tasks as to the communicationbetween the Web client station 14 and the Web server station 20, whilethe interface mechanism 28 performs such tasks as to the communicationbetween the Web client station 14 and the authentication center 24.

The mechanism 28 controls the biometric I/O devices 16 responsive toparameters associated with respective Web server stations 20. Theseparameters preferably are received by the Web client 17 from the Webserver station 20. To do so, parameters preferably are included in adownload of a page from the Web server station 20, e.g., the station'shome page as encountered by the Web client station 14 when initiallyseeking access. However, some or all of the parameters can be receivedotherwise, without departing from the principles of the invention.

The biometric I/O mechanism 28 preferably provides other functionality.For example, if the data received from the biometric I/O devices 16 isin improper form, the mechanism 28 preferably is enabled to controlconditioning the data to a proper form, said form generally yet beingrepresentative of the acquired data. Moreover, the mechanism 28, inconjunction with the biometric I/O devices 16, preferably supportssafeguards against biometric forgery, e.g., temperature sensing forfingerprint scanning. In addition, the mechanism 28, either with orwithout one or more of the biometric I/O devices 16, preferably isenabled to process the biometric data so as to enhance the efficiency ofthe authentication methods. The processing includes, for example,extracting unique features of the data and/or otherwise compressing thedata. Although these and other functions are preferred, it is to berecognized that the mechanism 28 may include or omit one or more of thedescribed functions or include additional functions, without departingfrom the principles of the invention.

The interface mechanism 28 preferably comprises one or more plug-ins tothe browser program. Each plug-in can be associated with biometric dataof single or plural types. In this manner, the mechanism 28 provides formodification, either to expand or limit the variety of supportedbiometric characteristics. While the mechanism 28 preferably supportsbiometric data of all, or substantially all, types, it is contemplatedthat the mechanism 28 can be limited to fewer number of types (e.g.,only voice or finger print data), without departing from the principlesof the invention.

The interface mechanism 28 can also be implemented as a Java applet. Asan applet, it can be downloaded, e.g., from the Web server station 20 inthe page carrying parameters. Moreover, when the Web client 17 isclosed, the applet generally is destroyed. (For the purposes of thisapplication, plug-in implementations are referred to as non-destructiveand Java applets are referred to as destructive.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary Web server station 20 in greater detail. TheWeb server station 20 comprises a Web server 30 for making information,services and other resources, including Web transactions, available toWeb client stations 14. The Web server 30 preferably implements selectedaspects of the authentication process hereof. For example, the Webserver 30 preferably provides parameters of the biometriccharacteristics applicable to the Web client station 14 seeking accessand participates in establishing the secure transport protocol, e.g.SSL.

The Web server station 20 preferably is associated with one or moreapplication servers 32. For example, application servers 32 preferablyare used to provide the information, services and other resources,including both Web and non-Web transactions, sought by an individualusing the Web client station 14. The application servers 32, when used,generally have functions that depend on the entity operating them. Inthe case of a bank, the application servers 32 can include, amongothers, e-mail servers (e.g., for customer service), electronic fundstransfer gateways, and electronic bill delivery servers.

The application servers 32 link to the Web client stations 14 via theWeb cloud or otherwise. The links can be through the Web server station20 via connections 22 or outside the Web server station 20 viaconnections 34. In this regard, it is to be understood that, althoughthe application servers 32 are described and depicted in associationwith the Web client station 20, this description and depiction is alogical association, in that the Web server 30 of the station 20participates in authenticating individuals for access, such accesstypically being of the associated application servers 32. As an example,any one or more of the application servers 32 can be physically remotefrom the other, as well as being physically remote from the Web server20. In keeping with the logical association, the Web server 30 and theapplication servers 32 generally are, but need not be, operated by thesame entity (e.g., the Web server 30 can be operated by the entity thatoperates the authentication center 24, which entity is other than thatoperating one or more of the application servers).

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary authentication center 24 in greater detail.The center 24 comprises an authorization server 40 linked via elementconnections 46 to one or more biometric servers 42, each of whichservers are, in turn, linked via element connections 46 to one or moreassociated biometric databases 44. The authorization server 40 controlscommunication between the center 24 and the other system elements 10.The biometric servers 42 compare the biometric data originating from theWeb client servers 14, or data representative thereof, with the storedbiometric data of enrolled individuals, such records being stored in thebiometric databases 44.

The center 24 also can comprise a Web server 48, although it is to beunderstood that the Web server 48 can be omitted without departing fromthe principles of the invention. The Web server 48 provides forcommunication via pages.

The element connections 46 preferably support a secure transportprotocol, such as SSL, so as to provide secure channels among thecenter's elements. In certain configurations of the system 10, elementconnections 46 support standard Web protocols, e.g., HTTP. Suchconfiguration is contemplated, for instance, when the authenticationcenter 24 is providing pages to the Web client station 14 relating tothe authentication results.

Although FIG. 4 shows elements of the authentication center 24 logicallytogether, it is to be recognized that the elements can be disposed atphysically remote locations without departing from the principles of theinvention. For example, any one or more of the biometric databases 44can actually comprise plural databases, each physically remote from theother and physically remote from the associated biometric server 42,which itself can be physically remote from the authorization server 40.

Moreover, the authentication center 24 as a whole, or part or parts ofit (e.g. the biometric databases 44) can be captive, i.e., operatedintegral with, or by the same entity as, one or more of the Web server30 and/or the application servers 32 of each Web server station 20. Inthat structure, the entity can retain control over obtaining andmaintaining the data, which can be important as the data generallycomprises confidential information of their customers. In addition, theentity can make the data available to authentication centers 24 whichare operated by different entities, either by providing copies of thedatabases or providing for access (e.g., via a secure channel) to thedatabases 44. These circumstances are contemplated for applicationtypically in large enterprises that have such databases, or those havingrelatively high security needs, such as banks, insurance companies,large health-care organizations and government units. (Hereafter, theterm "captive structure" generally will be used to designateconfigurations in which one or more biometric databases 44, with orwithout the authorization server 40, are created and controlled by theentity operating the Web server station.) By comparison, theauthentication center 24 can be operated independently from the Webserver station 20, i.e., operated neither integral with nor by the sameentity as the Web server station 20. In that configuration, a differententity than that of the Web server station 20 typically controls thebiometric databases 44. These circumstances are contemplated forapplication typically in smaller enterprises that generally do not havesuch databases or those having relatively low security needs, such asstores. (Hereafter, the term "independent structure" generally will beused to designate configurations in which the biometric databases 44 arenot created or controlled by the entity operating the Web server station20).

Operation and Methods.

The biometric authentication system 10 typically has two modes:enrollment and verification. In enrollment, individuals provide data tothe authentication center 24 respecting their identity (e.g., by username), by the Web location of the individual's Web client station 14(e.g. a Uniform Resource Locator ("URL") or a network address), or byother identification token or a combination.

Preferably, enrollment includes confirmation, to a high degree ofconfidence and based on predetermined criteria, the individual'sidentity (i.e., that the individual being enrolled is, in fact, who thatindividual claims to be). Confirmation is generally accomplished by theentity operating the Web server station 20 in the captive structure. Inthe independent structure, confirmation is generally accomplished by theentity operating the center 24.

Although confirmation to a high degree of confidence is preferred, it isalso contemplated that the enrollment can be otherwise. For example, theinvention contemplates building an enrollment database of biometric datawherein such data is obtained from Web client stations 14 via the Webconnections 22. For example, a Web-based store may opt to use suchauthentication, including as follows: the store receives an accessrequest from an individual of a claimed identity; the individual'sidentity is authenticated based on biometric data previously enrolledvia a Web connection; the store provides the goods; a subsequent accessrequest is made from an individual claiming the identity of the previousaccess request; the individual's identity (a) is authenticated, suchthat new goods are provided only if payment was received for thepreviously-provided goods or (b) is not authenticated, such that newgoods are provided if payment was not received for thepreviously-provided goods and, perhaps other factors (e.g., COD, valuelimits, etc.).

Enrollment preferably also includes an authorization check.Authorization can be to restrict system use to certain individuals. Forexample, authorization can be restricted to those who are members,clients, patients, etc. of the entity operating the Web server stationor those who have paid some up front or continuing fees to use theservice of the system 10.

While its use preferably is subject to authorization, access to theauthentication center 24 (e.g., its data and operations) generally ishighly secured.

Enrollment includes acquisition of data representing one or more of theindividual's biometric characteristics. The authentication center 24also preferably acquires multiple data samples during enrollment, so asto account for variations typically encountered in acquisition (and inverification mode) and, thereby, to increase the reliability ofauthentication (i.e., reduce false negatives and positives).

Enrollment includes the storing of each enrolled individual's biometricdata in association with the individual's identity, as confirmed.Enrollment can include other aspects without departing from theprinciples of the invention. For example, the biometric data can beexamined to determine if biometric features are represented adequatelyto support reliable authentication. In addition, the individual'srecords can include an audit record of Web server stations 20 inconnection with which the individual has been authenticated or is knownto be authorized. In addition, enrollment can establish an encryptionalgorithm for communication between the center 24 and the client 14.Moreover, enrollment can include certification that the biometric datais unique to the individual being enrolled, i.e. no one by a differentidentity has previously enrolled with that data.

In verification, the authorization server 40 receives encrypted messagescarrying, for example, biometric data and the individual's claimedidentity. The authorization server 40 preferably filters outunacceptable messages. Unacceptable messages can include those carryinga claimed identity that does not agree (on any predetermined statisticalbasis) with any records available at the authentication center 24. Inthis case, unacceptable messages, for example, can include those (i)associated (e.g., by user name or id) with individuals who are notenrolled with the center 24 or (ii) associated (e.g., by the URL or anetwork location) with Web client stations 14 that are not registeredwith the center 24.

The authorization server 40 preferably decrypts acceptable messages andpasses them to a biometric server 42. (However, it is to be recognizedthat the messages can be passed to the biometric server 42 without firstbeing decrypted, in which case the biometric server 42 performs thedecryption.) The messages are passed to the biometric servers 42 viaelement connectors 46, i.e., using a channel supporting SSL or someother security protocol. The biometric server 42 of each passed messagecan be determined by various factors, including (i) the server 42 hasenrolled the claimed identity of the individual seeking authentication,and (ii) the server has associated with it the Web server station 20 ofwhich access is being sought, which data is preferably transmitted tothe center 24 with the biometric data. Accordingly, the authorizationserver 40 preferably supports enrollment of an individual with respectto plural Web server stations 20, each of which stations, for example,is in a captive structure with the authentication center 24, i.e., hascontrol of a captive biometric database 44 that includes recordsassociated with the individual. The authorization server 40 preferablyalso supports enrollments associated with entirely independentstructures, as well as with combinations of both configurations.

In configurations using passwords, the biometric server 42 preferablydetermines whether the transmitted password matches the password ofrecord. The biometric server 42 can obtain the passwords of record invarious ways. In a captive structure, the authentication center 24 hasaccess to the applicable databases of the entity operating the Webserver station 20, including the databases 44 that maintain passwords.Accordingly, as non-biometric passwords are added, dropped, or changedin the captive case, the authentication center 24 has automatic accessto the new passwords. In an independent structure, the authenticationcenter 24 generally is without access to the passwords of the Web serverstation's database. Accordingly, the center 24 generally either/bothmaintains a password file (e.g., from enrollment) or obtains thepassword, in encrypted form, from the Web server station 20 to matchagainst that submitted for authentication.

The biometric server 42 preferably processes the biometric data,including (i) to extract unique features of the biometric data, (ii) toenhance distinguishing aspects, and/or (iii) to compress the data. Forexample, with finger prints, the server 42 preferably extracts theminutiae of the scanned fingerprint image for comparison to similarfeatures extracted during each individual's enrollment. It is to berecognized, however, that this extraction may be omitted with respect toone or more types of biometric data, including fingerprint data, withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention.

The biometric server 42 compares the biometric data of each passedmessage with the records stored in the server's associated biometricdatabases 44. To verify the individual's claimed identity, the biometricserver 42 typically compares the biometric data to the records of theenrolled individual whose associated identity agrees with the claimedidentity of the passed message. (Herein, "agrees with" means "isequivalent to within a predefined statistical level of confidence.")

Rather than verification, the comparison can be to identify theindividual. To perform identification, the biometric servers 42typically compare the live data to all records in their associatedbiometric databases 44, so as to determine if there is a sufficientmatch. If such match is found, the center 24 returns the identity (oridentities) associated with the matching record(s). It is to beunderstood that, unless the context militates otherwise, the descriptionherein of the verification mode embraces both verification andidentification, and all without departing from the principles of theinvention.

The biometric server 42 can obtain access to biometric records invarious ways. In a captive structure, the authentication center 24 hasaccess to the applicable databases of the entity operating the Webserver station 20, including the biometric databases 44. Accordingly,whether biometric records are added, dropped, or changed in the captivecase, the authentication center 24 has automatic access to them. In anindependent structure, the authentication center 24 generally is withoutaccess to the Web server station's database. Accordingly, the center 24generally creates and maintains its own biometric databases, viaenrollment of individuals.

An individual's live data typically fails to match exactly theindividual's records. This occurs because acquisition of biometric datais subject to variations, both in the enrollment mode and inverification mode. Accordingly, the biometric servers 42 preferablyemploy comparison algorithms that do not require exact matches betweenthe live data and records. Instead, the comparison algorithms generallyare implemented to determine the statistical closeness of the live datato the records. In that implementation, the biometric servers 42 producean affirmative response in the event of a sufficient match, i.e., if thecloseness determination yields a result that falls into a selected rangeof confidence determined to be acceptable. On the other hand, thebiometric servers 42 produce a negative response if the result fallsinto a selected range of confidence determined to be unacceptable. Thebiometric servers 42 preferably also support an indeterminate response(e.g., try again/provide more data) if the above ranges are notcomplementary and the result falls between such ranges. Theindeterminate response can also result for other reasons, including thatthe authentication center 24 is at fault (e.g., is down, busy orotherwise).

The ranges may be selected under one or more criteria, and the criteriamay vary among biometric characteristics. For example, one or moreranges may be selected solely to conform to statistical data, such asstudies. In addition, one or more ranges may be selected by theadministrator of the system 10, or by the administrator of the Webserver station 20, or by a combination of either or both, with orwithout statistical data. In any case, optimum selections are generallyselected to strike a selected balance between false positives and falsenegatives.

Following each authentication, the authentication center 24 produces aresponse. The center 24 provides the response, whatever its nature, toeither/both the Web server station 20 and the Web client station 14, therouting of the response depending on the configuration of the system 10.In the case of a negative response, the center 24 preferably providesthe response only to the Web client station 14. In that case, however,the authentication center 24 preferably records the details of theauthentication process so as to create a biometric audit trail, asdescribed below.

The center 24 can download a response to the Web client station 14 andto the Web server station 20 in various ways. As an example, the center24 can prepare and download to either or both stations 14, 20 a messagethat comprises a selected representation of the result of the comparison(e.g., pass, fail, confidence level, etc.), the message being suitablefor downloading via the secure transport protocol or protocols in placebetween the center 24 and respective stations. As another example, to doso respecting the Web client station 14, the authentication center 24can download a page having electronic links that provide access to oneor more of the application servers 32 of the Web server station 20,which access generally is subject to the individual's authorization atsuch station 20 and/or with each such server 32. In such case, theauthentication server 24 includes a Web server 48 so as to support theWeb protocols, e.g., HTTP/HTML. Also in such case, the page can includeor activate only those electronic links that are appropriate to theconfidence level attained in the authentication, i.e., levels of accesscan be supported. As yet another example, to respond to the Web serverstation 20, the authentication center 24 can, in a captive structure,make an appropriate entry (e.g., set a flag and/or provide other data todistinguish the authentication for the particular session) in thebiometric database 44.

In another case, the center 24 can download the response to the Webclient station 14 while routing the response to the Web server station20 via the Web client station 14, without departing from the principlesof the invention. To do so, the authentication center 24 can send to thestation 14 a digital certificate, which certificate the center 24encrypts with data that distinguishes the authentication for theparticular for the particular client and server stations of the instantsession and which certificate the center 24 preferably generates inaccordance with principles understood in the art.

Turning to FIG. 5, a flow chart is shown that depicts the operation ofthe biometric authentication system 10, according to the presentinvention. In step 100, the Web client station 14 requests access of aWeb server station 20. The station 14 typically does so by entering theWeb location of the Web server station 20, such location being in theform of a Uniform Resource Locator ("URL"). In this step, a securecommunication channel is established between the Web client and serverstations, via the Web cloud 12. For example, if SSL is employed, thesecure communication channel is established during the SSL handshake,including by, among other things, (i) negotiating an encryptionalgorithm between the stations 14, 20 via the Web cloud 12 and (ii)authenticating the Web server station 20 to the Web client station 14.

In step 102, parameters are established at the Web client station 14.The parameters are associated with the biometric data to be used inauthenticating the individual seeking access of the particular Webserver station 20. As previously described, the parameters preferablyare provided to the Web client station 14 from the Web server station 20by downloading a page from station 20 using HTTP over SSL. However, itis to be recognized that the parameters can be established otherwise,without departing from the principles of the invention.

In step 104, the biometric I/O devices 16 associated with the parametersacquire the individual's biometric data. The acquisition is controlledby the biometric I/O mechanism 28.

In step 106, which may occur prior or subsequent to, or simultaneouswith, step 104, the individual enters a password. The password can beentered using either a non-biometric I/O device 18 (e.g., a keyboard ora voice-recognition microphone) or a biometric I/O device 16 (e.g., amicrophone acquiring voice prints). In the latter case, the passwordpreferably is integral to the biometric data. The password can bepredetermined or volatile, volatile passwords being associated with onlythe instant session, without departing from the principles of theinvention. In the case of volatile passwords, they preferably aregenerated by the Web server station 20 and provided (i) to the Webclient station 14 in the download and (ii) to the authentication center24 either via the Web client station 14 (forwarded in encrypted form) orvia download or, if a captive structure, by placement in the biometricdatabase 44 maintained by the station 20.

In step 107, the Web client station 14 provides for the individual'sclaimed identity. As previously stated, the claimed identity can beindicated by the individual's user name or user id, by the Web locationof the individual's Web client station 14, or by other identificationtoken or by combination.

In step 108, encryption is performed. Preferably, both the password andthe biometric data, or data representative thereof, are encrypted.

In step 110, a message is received at an authentication center 24. Themessage preferably is received via one or more secure communicationchannels, e.g., a channel supporting SSL or some other securityprotocol. Furthermore, the message preferably is downloaded to thecenter 24, bypassing the Web server station 20. However, the message canbe routed to the center 24 via the Web server station 20, withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention.

In step 112, the authentication center 24 filters out unacceptablemessages. Unacceptable messages are described above. If a message isfiltered out, the center 24 preferably sends a predetermined rejectmessage to the Web client station 14, as shown by step 113. Although itis not shown, a reject message can also be sent to the Web serverstation 20, without departing from the principles of the invention.

In step 114, the authentication center 24 decrypts acceptable messages.This decrypting action is to recover the biometric data and, if used,the password.

In step 116, the live data (e.g., the acquired biometric data or datarepresentative thereof, wherever such representative data is obtained byprocessing acquired biometric data) is compared to selected records ofthe enrolled individual whose associated identity agrees with theclaimed identity of the message. Prior to the comparison, the live datapreferably is passed by the authorization server 40 to an appropriatebiometric server 42.

Step 116 can also include comparison of the received password to thepassword associated with the enrolled individual whose identity agreeswith the claimed identity.

As previously discussed, the system 10 contemplates an authenticationcenter 24 supporting more than one biometric server 42. In turn, themethod for using the system 10 contemplates using said support toadvantage. For example, as previously described with reference to FIG.4, each biometric server 42 can be used to authenticate in relation to arespective one of the Web server stations 20. As another example,however, a plurality of biometric servers 42 can be used to authenticatein relation to a single Web server station 20. In that latter example,the biometric servers 42 can be organized to authenticate in parallel,serially or in combinations of both. The parallel authentication can beimplemented for various purposes, including (i) for redundancy, (ii) toemploy various tests or comparison algorithms to one biometric data typeor (iii) to employ respective comparison algorithms to various biometricdata types. The serial authentication can be implemented for variouspurposes, including to create a series of hurdles erected to providelevels of access or merely to establish a concatenated authentication.

In step 118, based on the result of the comparison, the authenticationcenter 24 provides a response, after which the authentication processpreferably terminates. Although termination is preferred, it iscontemplated that, under predetermined circumstances, additionalauthentication processing may be initiated, without departing from theprinciples of the invention. As an example, if the receipt of data isflawed or the center 24 experiences a problem, the center 24 can beconfigured to initiate additional biometric processing, e.g., by sendinga page from the Web server 48 to the Web client station 14, the pagesuggesting additional or substitute data, with or without notificationto the Web server station 20. As another example, in the event ofpositive verification of identity such that access is granted and asession is being conducted, the system 10 can be configured to initiateadditional biometric processing in the form of continuous, regular orrandom re-authentications during the session. In such case, typingpattern or finger print data can be acquired in the background (softwaremonitors keystrokes or keyboards have scanners) and transmitted to thecenter 24 for authentication. Re-authentications combat against crackerstaking advantage of a Web client station 14 left unattended during asession by an authenticated individual.

Moreover, additional processing is contemplated in response to negativeverification of identity. In that regard, step 120 provides that theauthentication center 24 records the details of the authenticationprocess. These details included one or more of the time, the date, allor selected biometric data, the password, the Web client station 14 andthe Web server station 20. These records create a biometric audit trailso as to discourage repeated attempts of illegitimate individuals and toenhance opportunities to capture crackers. Indeed, the authenticationsystem can be used, following failed verification or otherwise, toperform an identification process, wherein records of all enrolledindividuals are compared to the live data of the failed authentication.This effort preferably can be extended to similar centers and can bepart of the enrollment process. If the purpose is to identify crackersand one is so identified, the cracker can more readily be prosecuted, ifmerited, or otherwise stripped of power to impact the Web serverstations 20, other Web entities, or this system 10.

The steps described above can be configured to support various options,without departing from the principles of the invention. For example, toauthenticate based on voice prints, the steps can be configured so thatthe individual speaks a password, e.g., a multi-digit word or phrase,which password is isolated from the voice print at the authenticationcenter 24 for comparison to a predetermined password. Accordingly, boththe password and the voiceprint must sufficiently match for anaffirmative authentication.

As another example, data of plural biometric characteristics can becombined to increase overall confidence in the authentication. Althoughcombination is generally subject to cost/benefit trade-offs, entitiesoffering Web information, services and other resources, includingtransactions, can be expected to set their own security demands. In suchcase, the level of security associated with each biometriccharacteristic alone preferably is categorized. Similarly, the overalllevels of security associated with combinations of characteristicspreferably are categorized. These data points typically would beavailable to each Web server station 20 in configuring their usage ofthe Web-based biometric authentication system.

In another configuration example, the system 10 can be used with orwithout passwords. To illustrate, an emergency room clinician can scanthe fingerprint of an unconscious patient not only to gain access to thepatient's records, but also perhaps to identify the individual. Ineither case, a password is both unnecessary and undesirable, whileauthentication both protects the records, guards patients' privacy andallows vital care to be performed appropriate to the individual.

Parameters.

The content of the parameters varies according to the configuration ofthe system. That is, parameters vary according to whether the system isentirely captive (i.e., the authentication center is operated by thesame entity that operates the Web server station 20), partially captive(e.g., the entity operating the Web server station 20 as a whole, or oneor more application servers 32, makes its biometric databases 44available to the separately operated authentication center 24, which isalso operating the Web server 30 of the Web server station 20) orindependent (e.g., the authentication center 24 enrolls individuals andprovides an authentication service respecting its enrolled individualsto those entities operating one or more Web server stations 20).

Examples of parameters that can be used, include: (i) one or morespecific biometric characteristics for use in authentication, with orwithout alternatives; (ii) a number of biometric characteristics to beused, without specifics as to which types can be used; (iii) criteriafor authentication, including both selection among comparison algorithmsand the confidence range or ranges for determining whether a sufficientmatch is obtained; (iv) how responses are to be routed to the station20, including whether and, if so, what form of digital certificate isacceptable; (v) how biometric data is to be routed to the authenticationcenter 24; (vi) which authentication center 24 is to be used or,assuming the individual is enrolled at more than one center, from whichcenters the applicable center is to be selected or the criteria forselection (e.g., "XXX"-certified centers); (vii) whether and, if so,which parameters can be modified and the mechanism for doing so; (viii)whether and, if so, what further processing can be performed after anindividual is not authenticated, and (ix) data specific to the endeavorsconducted by the entity operating the Web server station, e.g., bankaccount number, patient number, employee number, etc. While one or moreof the above parameters can be used, other or additional parameters canbe used, without departing from the principles of the invention.

As previously described, parameters preferably are included in adownload of a page from the Web server station 20, e.g., the station'shome page as encountered by the Web client station 14 when initiallyseeking access. Indeed, the downloaded page can include parameters thatoffer alternatives that are selectable. The selection can be made at theindividual's volition (e.g., the biometric characteristic orcombinations that are acceptable to the individual), automatically bythe Web client station 14 (e.g., based on supported biometriccharacteristics), by the authentication center 24 (i.e., the Web clientstation 14 forwards the alternatives to the center 24), or bycombinations of these or otherwise.

However, some or all of the parameters can be established otherwise,without departing from the principles of the invention. For example,after the first downloaded page, parameters can be communicated from theWeb server station 20 in one or more subsequently downloaded pages fromthe Web server station 20. These parameters can be supplementary,substitutional or negotiable in nature. As a further example, some orall of the parameters either can be communicated from the authenticationcenter 24 or can be communicated from within the Web client station 14to itself ("local availability"). Moreover, the parameters can beestablished through communications involving any combination of thesesources, without departing from the principles of the invention.

Local availability at the Web client station 14 can be used, forexample, where the parameters are unchanging or where receivedparameters are incompatible with that station 14. One form of localavailability is storage. Storage is initiated by the individual, or isperformed automatically at the Web client station 14 in response to thestation's detection of a selected trigger, e.g., a certain total numberof access attempts or an access frequency threshold. The automaticstorage, if supported, preferably is controlled by the interfacemechanism 28. Another form of local availability is to enable thestation 14 to make selections from alternatives (see above) or to enablethe station 14 to be responsive to incompatibility. For example, ifbiometric data associated with received parameters cannot be provided bythe Web client station 14 (which can be an issue particularly inindependent structures), the mechanism 28 preferably is enabledeither/both to (i) request permission to send alternative biometric data(e.g., based on the Web client station's capabilities) or (ii) obtainand transmit other biometric data of its own selection.

Communication of parameters from the authentication center 24 can be inplace of communication from the Web server station 20 and the Web clientstation 14. In addition, communication from the center 24 can supplementthe communication(s) from the stations 20, 14, as well as othercommunication from the center 24 itself. Communications from the center24 can also be negotiable with other communications.

Supplementary communication, from whatever source, can be used, forexample, where the existing parameters can be incompatible with the Webclient station 14. That incompatibility, which can be an issueparticularly in independent structures, can arise due to variousfactors, including, without exhaustion: (i) a biometric I/O device 16associated with a parameter is absent or, if present, is not functional;(ii) the interface mechanism 28 fails to support a biometric I/O device16 associated with a parameter; (iii) the individual is unable toprovide biometric data associated with a parameter; and (iv) theindividual is unwilling to provide certain biometric data as a matter ofprinciple, e.g., that data violates privacy or religious issues.

Supplementary transmission, from whatever source, can be used, inanother example, where the existing parameters can be incompatible withthe authentication center 24. That incompatibility, which can be anissue particularly in independent structures, can arise due to variousfactors, including, without exhaustion: (i) the authentication station24 does not support authentication based on biometric data associatedwith one or more existing parameters, e.g., the individual did notprovide such data when enrolling with the center 24; (ii) the centersuffers a complete or partial failure of elements respecting biometricdata associated with one or more of the existing parameters; and (iii)the individual's identity cannot be verified to obtain a sufficientmatch using the biometric data of the existing parameters, but thesystem 10 is configured, at least with respect to the instant Web serverstation 20, to allow opportunity to authenticate using additional ordifferent biometric data.

As described above, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe invention contemplates establishing parameters using variouscommunications and methods. As to the Web client station 14, the methodsinclude (i) local availability, with or without parameters from the Webserver station 20 or the authentication center 24, or (ii) single orplural downloads to the Web client station 14 from either or both theWeb server station 20 or the authentication center 24, with or withoutlocally-provided parameters, or (iii) communication of parameters(supplementary, substitutional or negotiable) involving any combinationof the Web client station 14, the Web server station 20 and theauthentication station 24, using arbitration algorithms as appropriate.

As to the authentication center 24, parameters typically focus on whatdata is to be analyzed, the criteria for authentication, including thealgorithms to be used and the confidence range or ranges for determiningwhether there is a sufficient match, and where and how response data isto be routed, including whether and, if so, what form of digitalcertificates are acceptable. In any particular configuration, one ormore of these matters can be fixed, i.e., the parameters are establishedlocally. For example, the center 24 may support only two types of data,with one algorithm for each. However, these and other matters can beselectable, in which case the selectable parameters are preferablyestablished by the Web server station 20 in accordance with its securityneeds. In any case, any parameters selected preferably are transmittedto the center 24 with the biometric data. It is to be recognized,however, that such parameters can be otherwise directed to the center24: for example, the Web server station 20 can download parameters tothe center 24 (e.g., a multicast of the page containing the parameters)or, in a captive structure, can make the parameters available via thebiometric database 44.

Except for the case of establishing parameters from a single source in asingle transmission, the system 10 preferably provides for arbitrationamong the Web client station 14, the Web server station 20 and theauthentication center 24 so as to finally establish the parameters to beused in the authentication.

Authentication Center.

The biometric data originates at the Web client station 14 and isreceived at the authentication center 24 for analysis. Preferably thedata is downloaded from the station 14 to the authentication center 24,bypassing the Web server station 20. However, the data can be routedfrom the station 14 to the center 24 via the Web server station 20,without departing from the principles of the invention.

Particularly in an independent structure, plural authentication centers24 can be available, such that a determination is to be made of theparticular authentication center that will perform the authenticationsteps associated therewith. The determination responds to variousissues, including: (i) with which center or centers 24 the individualand/or client station 14 is enrolled; (ii) if enrolled at plural centers24, what biometric data is stored in records of each center; and (iii)what center or centers, or types of centers, does the Web server station20 accept, e.g., it is registered with one or more centers or itrequires certain algorithms, certifications or services.

In the wholly captive structure, the authentication center is determinedby the structure. In effect, it is a matter of predetermination: e.g.,the bank operates the Web server station 20 for its customers who arethe individuals operating the Web client stations 14, the customershaving registered with the captive authentication center 24 when openingtheir respective bank accounts.

In the independent structure, the authentication center 24 preferably isdetermined by either or both the Web client station and the Web serverstation. Typically, this is on a per access request basis.

This determination preferably is by the Web client station 14. This ispreferred because (i) the station 14 has its associated enrollment dataand (ii) the station 14 preferably downloads live data to the center 24,by-passing the Web server station 20 This determination can be made withor without input from the Web server station 20. For example, thestation 14 can identify the center 24 to the station 20 for approval. Ifthe Web server station 20 finds the so identified center 24unacceptable, the station 20 can request a re-determination, e.g., thatsome other center 24 be used.

If the Web client station 14 determines, it preferably sends the Webserver station's identification to the center 24, if the center 24 is todownload a response directly to the Web server station 20. Theidentification of the Web server station 20 can also be to enable thecenter 24 to authenticate in accordance with the Web server station'sselected criteria, assuming that the criteria are stored at the center24 (e.g., the station 20 subscribes for the service, providing suchcriteria). If the center 24 is configured to support generation ofdigital certificates, the identification of the server station 20, aswell as other data (e.g., the parameters) can also be to allowencryption of that data within the certificate.

Independent structure also can support the Web server station 20determining a particular authentication center 24. In that case, if theWeb client station 14 is to download the biometric data directly to theauthentication center 24, the Web server station 20 preferably includesthe center's identification as a parameter provided to the Web clientstation 14, e.g., in the download of a page to the Web client station14. However, if the Web client station 14 is to route the biometric datato the authentication center 24 via the Web server station 20, thestation 20 preferably selects the center 24 when transmitting thebiometric data to that center and no such parameter need be provided tothe station 14. In cases of such routing and center 24, the biometricdata from the Web client station 14 preferably is accompanied byidentification of the authentication center or centers 24 at which theindividual is enrolled, simply because the individual typically isenrolled at limited numbers of centers 24.

The systems methods according to this invention, including the describedembodiments, provide various advantages. Some of the advantages include,for example: biometric data is logically available at a centrallocation--the authentication center 24--for authenticating individualswithin the context of their Web-based transactions; authentication isgenerally rapid, reliable and secure; except for nominal interactionwith biometric I/O devices 16, the authentication is generallytransparent to the individual; the system is relatively cost effective,especially compared to systems using custom hardware and softwaresolutions; the authentication is highly scalable and yet, by definition,personal; and the authentication benefits from flexibility, both (i) interms of providing various levels of confidence available to andselectable by each entity requiring authentication and (ii) in terms ofproviding alternative biometric characteristics for selection by eachindividual, responsive to the individual's (or, as the case may be,their Web client station's) abilities, impairments and principles.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferredembodiments, it will be understood that modifications thereof within theprinciples outlined above will be evident to those skilled in the artand thus the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments butis intended to encompass such modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for Web-based, biometric authenticationof individuals who are using a Web Client station, the individualsseeking access of a Web server station, the method comprising the stepsof:establishing parameters associated with selected biometriccharacteristics to be used in authentication; acquiring, at the Webclient station, biometric data from an individual in accordance with theparameters; receiving, at an authentication center, a message thatincludes live data comprising the acquired biometric data from theindividual seeking access of the Web server station; selecting, at theauthentication center, one or more records from among records associatedwith one or more enrolled individuals; comparing the live data withselected records, the comparison determining whether the so-comparedlive data sufficiently matches the selected records as to authenticatethe individual seeking access; recording selected details of thereceived message and the results of the comparing step so as to create abiometric audit trail; and when an individual fails authentication,using selected details of the received message, and comparing saidselected details with a plurality of records, the comparison determiningwhether the so-compared selected details sufficiently match any one ormore of the so-compared records, so as to identify the individualseeking unauthorized access of the Web server station.
 2. A method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said step of comparing said selected detailswith a plurality of records where an individual fails authenticationcomprises using, as the plurality of records, biometric data records ofsaid authentication center and also biometric data records of at leastone additional authentication center.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein said live data includes a voice print and the selected recordsinclude voice print data.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising the steps of:providing, at the Web client station, a claimedidentity associated with the individual; receiving, at theauthentication center, a message that includes the claimed identity;determining the acceptability of the message based on the claimedidentity; if the message is acceptable, providing, at the authenticationcenter, selected records that agree with the claimed identity; andcomparing the received data with the so-provided, selected records.
 5. Amethod as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of providing,from the authentication center, a response respecting the result of thecomparing step, this providing step comprising the steps of:(A)preparing the response, which step includes one or more of the followingsteps:(i) preparing a digital certificate; (ii) preparing a page havingelectronic links to accessible pages associated with one or moreapplication servers; (iii) preparing an appropriate entry in a biometricdatabase; and (iv) preparing a secure protocol message; and (B)effecting the response, which step includes one or more of the followingsteps:(i) downloading the response to the Web server station; (ii)routing the response to the Web server station via the Web clientstation; (iii) making an appropriate entry in a selected biometric; (iv)downloading the response to the Web client station; and (v) routing theresponse to the Web client station via the Web server station.
 6. Amethod as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step of preparing a pagehaving electronic links comprises including or activating only thoseelectronic links that are appropriate to the confidence level attainedin the comparing step.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising the step of establishing secure communication channels in andamong the Web client station, the Web server station and theauthentication station.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein thestep of establishing secure communication channels comprises:(A)employing a Web client at the Web client station and a Web server at theWeb server station, the Web client and the Web server providing forestablishing a secure communication channel between the Web clientstation and the Web server station; and (B) employing an interfacemechanism at the Web client station and an authorization server at theauthentication center, the interface mechanism and the authorizationserver providing for establishing a secure communication channel betweenthe Web client station and the authentication center.
 9. A method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein:the acquiring step comprises pluralacquisitions, said plural acquisitions relating to one or more biometriccharacteristics; and the establishing parameters step further comprisesat least one of the following steps:(i) selecting a confidence levelfrom among supported confidence levels, said supported confidence levelsbeing categorized in relation to authentication based on using biometricdata associated with single biometric characteristics and withcombinations of biometric characteristics; and (ii) selecting a triggerevent, said trigger event causing the acquisition of biometric data. 10.A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the step of selecting a triggerevent comprises selected a time interval for repeating theauthentication steps.
 11. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thestep of establishing parameters comprises one or more communications byand among the Web server station, the Web client station and theauthentication center.
 12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein thestep of establishing parameters further comprises the step of choosingamong negotiable parameters by using predetermined arbitrationalgorithms.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the step ofestablishing parameters further comprises downloading a page from theWeb server station to the Web client station responsive to the Webclient station requesting access of the Web server station, the pageincluding parameters.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising the step of determining an authentication center from amongplural authentication centers.